'Transformational' year for pub group Marston's

The Wolverhampton-based business took over the Charles Wells Brewing and Beer business in June, and has sealed long-term distribution agreements with Punch B and Hawthorn Leisure help increase own-brewed beer volumes by six per cent in the year to September 30.

Marston's said sales and profits for the group as ahead of last year, while cost savings of £5 million a year are being put in place to "mitigate ongoing cost increases".

The pubs in the group, including scores across Shropshire and the West Midlands, also enjoyed sales growth over the year.

In its destination and premium pubs like-for-like sales were 0.9 per cent higher, despite more subdued trading over the summer in line with the wider market.

Its taverns arm was 1.6 per cent up on a like-for-like basis, with local beers and craft drinks proving particularly popular among punters.

Like-for-like profits in the estate of leased pubs are estimated to be up one per cent, which the brewer put down to a high quality of estate pubs and licensee stability.

Chief executive Ralph Findlay said: "Our priority is to focus on quality, service and standards.

"We are well placed to continue to implement our growth strategy through investment in higher quality pubs and bars and through our unrivalled beer brand range supported by high customer service standards.''

Marston's completed 19 new pubs and bars and eight lodges during the period, while four pubs planned for September will open in late October.

It expects to open 15 pubs and bars and six lodges during the next financial year – a number described as a "modest trimming" of its opening programme because of subdued market conditions.